VISD could expand responses to bullying

The Victoria school board will look at expanding the way the district addresses bullying with a review of the student code of conduct at Thursday's board meeting.

The revised student handbook would elaborate on bullying practices in response to a need in the district and to recent legislation that expands the way districts can respond to bullying, said Diane Boyett, district communications director.

One of the proposed changes would allow the board to approve the transfer of a student who's found to be bullying other students. Previously, the district could only approve transfers for the kids being bullied.

"It's not intended to be punitive. It's intended to be for the safety of everyone involved," Boyett said.

The district is honing in on bullying this year, as all employees who come into contact with students will receive professional training on the topic. The district is hosting an anti-bullying day on Aug. 16 that will teach employees how to recognize, report, investigate and stop bullying, Boyett said.

The board will also get a second look at next school year's budget at Thursday's meeting.